In a moment filled with emotion and joy, four-year-old Lola Xiong has marked the end of her more than two-year battle with leukemia by taking her final chemotherapy pill. The significant milestone, which took place in Northern California, has allowed her family to shift their focus from a life of medical treatments to celebrating a healthier future.
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Lola’s journey began when she was two years old and was diagnosed with leukemia in January 2021. Initially, her parents, Kristine and her husband, mistook the bruises appearing on her body for a sign of childhood clumsiness. However, as the bruises began to manifest in alarming places like her stomach and spine, combined with fatigue, severe jaw pain, and a loss of appetite, the family knew they had to seek medical care.
Kristine reflected on the surreal reality of treatment ending, sharing that the joy of Lola finally finishing chemotherapy felt monumental. “It’s like a new rebirth for her,” she said, as she prepared for a celebration that felt akin to a birthday party. The table was adorned with festive decorations, and Lola was excitedly anticipating her newfound freedom from hospital visits and treatments that had dominated her young life.
Throughout her treatment, the Xiong family faced numerous challenges, including hospital stays and painful procedures. Kristine recalled particularly heart-wrenching moments when they would have to hold their child down during difficult treatments. “All of the holding her down and having her scream like, ‘I hate you,’ or, ‘You don’t love me,’” Kristine described, noting the immense difficulty of watching Lola endure such pain. Yet, despite these hardships, Lola demonstrated remarkable resilience, displaying grace and understanding towards her parents during the trying times.
The family’s approach to Lola’s treatment evolved into a day-by-day coping mechanism, learning to cherish even the smallest victories amid the struggles. “Some days are harder than others,” Kristine remarked. The ongoing challenges forced the family to take life “minute by minute,” acknowledging the importance of gratitude even in the darkest moments.
The culmination of Lola’s treatment prompted a heartfelt celebration. As Kristine and Lola decorated together, it became clear just how significant the day was. Lola’s excitement was palpable as she prepared to take her final medication. “There’s no more chemo after this,” Kristine said, overwhelmed by the thought that her child would finally have the chance to experience a carefree childhood, free from the constraints of cancer treatment.
Their celebratory video, which captured Lola in a “No More Chemo” crown and blowing out candles as Michael Bublé’s “Feeling Good” played, quickly gained traction on social media, amassing millions of views and heartfelt messages of support. Comments flooded in from people expressing their joy for the family and celebrating Lola’s strength.
While the chemotherapy regimen may be complete, the family is aware that their journey with cancer is not entirely finished. For the next year, Lola will return monthly for lab work and monitoring to ensure that there are no signs of a relapse. Kristine noted that Lola’s doctors will continue to supervise her care well into adulthood, emphasising the ongoing nature of their relationship with her oncology team.
Having developed a close bond with the healthcare professionals who treated Lola, Kristine remarked on the significant role they’ve played in her daughter’s journey. “They’re literally family to us,” she explained, highlighting how the oncology team has witnessed Lola’s growth from a frightened toddler into a vibrant child now free from cancer.
As they embark on this new chapter, Kristine emphasised the family’s commitment to appreciating the everyday moments that, for so long, seemed uncertain. “Lola really taught us gratitude,” she noted, expressing a newfound thankfulness for life in all its forms. With her health restored, Lola and her family eagerly look forward to a future filled with the precious experiences of childhood that they thought might be lost forever.